VARANASI: The city, once described by Mark Twain as 'older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together', is today a mess of all things that make life of people miserable. The dug up roads, overflowing sewage, heaps of municipal waste and traffic chaos have become the characteristics of the city.

However, being a microcosm of Indian culture, the city is visited by scores of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain pilgrims and foreign visitors. The city is also known for its architectural, artistic and historical buildings. Besides, the local religious and cultural life constitutes an immense resource for tourism. But, the present physical appearance of the city is marring its qualities.

Five years ago, during his visit to the city Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was overwhelmed to see the scenic beauty of the Ganga ghats. In March 2008, the PM and his wife had a chance to see Ganga arti at Dashashwamedh Ghat and offer prayer at Kashi Vishwanath temple.

At that time he had assured that adequate fund would be provided for the development and transport management in Varanasi. Funds would be provided to enable Varanasi to have a modern transport system in keeping with its importance as a heritage city. For the heritage development of Varanasi, the ministry of tourism had also taken up Varanasi under its mega projects scheme for tourism development. The state government would be requested to form a group of experts to prepare a Heritage Development Plan for Varanasi which would be funded from the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and other sources.

The Heritage Development Plan for Varanasi has been prepared by the architectural and heritage division of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). Varanasi Municipal Corporation had also created a heritage cell to look after the heritage needs of the city. Being a mission city of JNNURM, Varanasi is witnessing a number of projects like sewerage, water supply, storm water drainage and others. Hopefully, better future is in store for this holy city.

Source: The Times of India, DT. June 12, 2013.